WV HB4861

County boards may designate one or more "Rural Anchor Schools" beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, with State Board approval, to preserve isolated rural schools that would otherwise face closure or consolidation

Eligible schools must serve rural, geographically isolated communities with below-average enrollment, where closure would create unreasonable transportation burdens, safety concerns, or access barriers for students

Designated schools receive state aid funding calculated at a minimum of 150 students regardless of actual enrollment, recognizing fixed operating costs for utilities, maintenance, transportation, and core staffing

Rural anchor school designation lasts five years with possible renewal, requiring annual reporting on enrollment, staffing, student performance, and fund usage

The State Board may revoke designation if eligibility criteria are no longer met, funds are misused, or the county fails to comply with reporting requirements